SWIP: What Pitchers Can Control

SWIP: What Pitchers Can Control

Following the methodology of WHIP (walks + hits divided by innings pitched), a method that is as established in the fantasy games as any other (and therefore easily understood), I invented a new measure of a pitchers dominance called SWIP a few years back in order to better understand which pitchers may possess the skills necessary to have success on a big league hill (I know, I’m so amazing... just like my mama told me I would). Never heard of SWIP you say? Well I’m about to change that, and hopefully you will be able use SWIP to help you analyze pitchers heading into 2014.

WHAT IS SWIP?

S- Strikeouts (abbreviated as K)

W- Walks (abbreviated as BB)

IP- Innings Pitched

Numerically speaking, the formula for SWIP works along the same lines as WHIP. SWIP is determined by the following equation:

Strikeouts minus Walks divided by Innings Pitched equals SWIP.

SWIP = (K – BB) / IP

Another way to look at this is to say that for each positive result, the recording of an out in the form of a strikeout, the pitcher receives a (+1). For each negative encounter, in the form of a walk, he receives a (-1). Simple enough right? Here is an example of how you can figure out SWIP so you can see what I’m talking about (and yes, it really is as simple as it sounds).

Bailey’s SWIP for the 2013 season was therefore 0.68. Though SWIP is recorded in the same manner as WHIP, theway to read the results is slightly different. Whereas the lower the WHIP the better one has performed, SWIP worksin the opposite direction: the higher the SWIP the better (it should also be pointed out that there are some limitation to SWIP which I have written about previously.

Here is a rough estimate of what the results mean to help you to put things in perspective, a key if you will. The key speaks more toward starting pitchers (relievers should all be at least at 0.50 or move on).

.90 and Up: Excellent season. Hall of Fame level.

.70 to .89: An all-star performance. Worthy of Cy Young consideration.

.50 to .69: Borderline all-star to decent starting pitcher. Aguy you’d like to have on your staff.

.35 to .50: A guy who should be nothing more than the 3rdor 4th starter with his club.

.20 to .34: His major league days are likely numbered.

Below .20: Minor leaguer in training.

SWIP: What Pitchers Can Control

Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2014 77

Let’s take a look at how all major league hurlers performed in 2013. 36,710 Strikeouts

14,640 Walks 43,653.1 IP So in order to find out the major league average for SWIP

during the 2013 season let’s plug the numbers into our simple equation.

SWIP = (K – BB) / IP (36,710-14,640) / 43,653.1

22,070 / 43,653.1

0.5055

SWIP = 0.51

The 0.51 mark last season is a major league best in the 21st century as the rate keeps inching upward in an almost linear path.

2013: 0.51 SWIP

2012: 0.50 SWIP

2011: 0.45 SWIP

2010: 0.43 SWIP

2009: 0.39 SWIP

2008: 0.38 SWIP

2007: 0.37 SWIP

2006: 0.37 SWIP

2005: 0.36 SWIP

2004: 0.36 SWIP

2003: 0.34 SWIP

2002: 0.35 SWIP

2001: 0.38 SWIP

2000: 0.30 SWIP

I will present three lists at the end of this review, broken down by the following innings pitched levels: (1) 160+ IP, (2) 80-159 IP, (3) 40-79 IP. Before we just get to the lists, here are some of my thoughts on a few key players at each of the levels.

Let’s hope his arm was just tired at the end of last season and nothing more. He struck out four less batters (169) than innings pitched (173.1) while walking just under three batters per nine (2.96). An impressive rookie season.

Over the last two seasons Lynn has literally struck out a batter per inning. His walk rate sits at about 3.3, just slightly over the league average, and that downs his outlook a bit. Better than given credit for.

His K/9 mark was 1.3 batters below his career rate (6.79) in 2013. He just doesn’t miss bats. Still, his walk rate the past two season is 1.37 which is truly amazing. How can he continue to operate at a level that is literally less than half his career rate (2.79) past the age of 40? I don’t think he can.